Haematoma Treatment

[sjwright]

Hi,

I had surgery to my chest which resulted in a haematoma, which was removed with surgery. Its been almost 2 weeks now and I am still black and swollen. How long does it take to go and what can I do to encourage the healing?

Thanks!
Stephen

[daffy654]

I had lung surgery over 4 years ago and i'm still in pain from it. Some people heal better and quicker than others so it's not an easy question to answer really. The main problem with any surgery to the chest area is that the surgeon can sometimes damage the intercostal nerves which run under the ribs,this can lead to lifelong pain as in my case.The condition even has a name-Post Thoracotomy Pain,try looking it up with google and you may get some idea of whether you will be one of the many lucky ones-or few unlucky ones :-(

[sqad617]

sjwright doesn't mention pain, but being black and swollen, hence post thoracotomy pain does not enter into it.
Hamatoma is a collection of blood usuallycaused by post operative drains becoming blocked or blood vessels continuing to bleed. Treatment is either to evacuate the haematoma surgically or waiting until the body rids itself over time. From what you say it could take 6-8 weeks to settle completely.

[daffy654]

If someone is black and swollen they are more than likely going to be in pain too.Your attitude is very condescending sqad!

[sqad617]

I apologise unreservedly daffy654.

[pips1]

I had a haematoma which burst through my stomach (it was like an episode from Alien!) it had to be packed out daily so it would heal properly. I think it took about six weeks to heal if I remember correctly, sorry. Good luck

[blackcat77]

I had a laparotomy in April and where they opened me up at the top (just underneath my breasts) was really painful for a good two weeks and it was pointed out to me that that is where they clamp the wound open and they are not very gentle about it either! I imagine that you are still having check-ups so if you were not progressing as you should I would imagine that they would say something. But i don't think that two weeks is very long in the recovery of a major operation.
Hope that you feel better very soon.

[sara3]

what a healthy bunch we are!

mine took about 6 weeks to even start looking better but I bruise in the most spectacular fashion.. a belly op, and bruising up to my armpits! even the surgeon was shocked at my check-ups :o)

[k8bailey]

I had a Haematoma which was left to break down on it own, it took about 10, weeks to heal but thats because it had burst one of the stitches, I was told usually 6-8weeks but every one's different!

If it getting worse you should obviously get it checked to makesure theres no infection or new clot forming. Unfortunately I don't know of anything that wil help with the swelling and bruising.

Have you been prescribed any anti-inflamatories?

Hope you feel better soon!